LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The 2025 Indigenous Round jersey is now available, reflecting the Dolphins' dedication to honoring the Traditional Owners of their land.
The jerseys are part of a trilogy celebrating local First Nations peoples, their stories, and the significance of dolphins, referred to as buangan [pronunciation: boo-un-gahn].
Designed by esteemed Sunshine Coast artist Lyndon Davis, a Traditional Custodian of the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi peoples, the artwork is titled "The Calling of the Dolphins." Davis elaborates on this connection: "By slapping the water in a particular pattern to create water percussion, and grinding their spears into the sandstone along the water's edge, we communicated with the dolphins, who would hear these calls and drive the mullet to shore where the people were waiting with spears and nets." He underscores the respectful relationship between the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi people and dolphins, noting that "the dolphin was never hunted by the Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi and was always there to share in the catch." This partnership allowed family groups of local dolphin pods to recognize and respond to the calls of Aboriginal families and clans.
The initiative not only celebrates Indigenous culture but also fosters a deep respect for the natural environment and the shared histories that bind people and wildlife.
The jersey embodies these themes through its artistic design, making it a meaningful representation of the ongoing connection between the Dolphins and the First Nations community.